The Mayor’s view
What a privilege to be Epping Town Mayor.
My whole working career has been with horses. Being Epping Town Mayor had never even occurred to me. As I became older and my physical ability to handle horses reduced, I started attending local groups involved with local safety issues. This was quite different to my former life.
I saw a need for residents to have a conduit for their concerns. Most residents are unaware of the difference between the three councils, Town, District and County and their various remits.
As a Town Council, we continue to support our historic Charter market and provide vital services to Epping Parish for our residents. You will find a list of what the Town Council look after on the back of this magazine.
In 2017, I was elected to Epping Town Council. The first Council meeting was a truly terrifying experience, although I really wanted to do it. The other Council members knew what they were talking about. I knew nothing. Now, in 2024, I have learnt so much and really hope that I can be a good voice for the residents of Epping.
As for life being the Mayor… I have had the opportunity to meet so many groups
who contribute so much to our wonderful community. I cannot name them all but they include our Fire Service, Air Cadets, Epping Eppingen Twinning Association, Epping in Bloom and so many more. I encourage them to send photos and updates to Talk About Epping.
My chosen charity for this year is CanalAbility who adapt canal boats for use by those with various ability, health and other issues. I was most impressed when I visited them.
After a most successful Town Show, despite the torrential downpours, we look forward to our Christmas Market on Saturday 7th December. Finally, a huge thank you to our staff, whether the grounds team keeping Stonards Hill recreation ground in good condition for our football teams plus all their other duties and the office staff who worked so hard to attain Council’s Quality Gold award and who administer our services.
In the coming weeks, we will be consulting on Epping Town Neighbourhood Plan, which is a key planning document that could influence planning decisions in Epping Parish until 2033. Look out for more information on the town noticeboards and our website. You will find lots of information on our website and in this magazine. Please do get in touch if you need any information. I look forward to meeting many of you in the near future.
Cherry McCredie
CanalAbility
CanalAbility is an award-winning charity dedicated to making boating accessible to people with a wide range of disabilities, health conditions or disadvantages. Our specially adapted canal boats provide a unique opportunity for individuals to enjoy river boating along with their friends, families and carers.
We rely entirely on hire fees, donations and sponsorships to fund our operations, as we receive no government funding. Our services are sustained by the enthusiasm and dedication of our volunteers, who assist with various aspects of our operations.
Join us for a delightful 4-hour day trip along the River Stort, where you can immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of the Essex and Hertfordshire countryside. You can try steering the boat and operating the locks, or simply relax and take in the flora, fauna and wildlife.
Our two purpose-built, centrally heated and fully accessible broad beam boats ensure that everyone can actively participate in the boating experience year-round.
www.canalability.org.uk
Tel: 01279 424444 email: hello@canalability.org.uk
Epping Town Mayor, Cllr Cherry McCredie will be supporting CanalAbility during her Civic year.
Safer Epping
The next Safer Epping meeting is on 19th August 2024 at 6pm, Link-WorkSpace, 116 High Street, Epping, with kind permission of Sharmila Bholanauth. There will be a presentation from Neighbourwood Watch, amongst other items. We are also provisionally booked for 11th November 2024 at the same venue. Please prebook at: mccrediecherry@gmail.co.uk as we will be capping numbers.
If you have any issues you would like to raise, please contact me on the email address above.
If you would like to sponsor Epping Christmas lights in 2024 to promote your business, please contact Epping Town Council on: info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk
There are lots of great community groups in Epping. If you would like to tell everyone about yours, please email us at: info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk so we can include information in our forthcoming issues.
The next Epping at the Movies event will take place on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th September 2024 at Epping Hall, St Johns Road, Epping, Essex, CM16 5JU. Film details to follow. www.eppingatthemovies.com
Another successful Epping Town Show
The annual Epping Town Show at Stonards Hill recreation ground on Sunday, 7th July went ahead despite the mixed weather and a few heavy downpours.
There was a wide range of community, craft, trader and food vendor stalls which were manned throughout Sunday afternoon while arena entertainment included performances by the Epping Forest Band, Epping Forest Pipe Band, Academy Arts, Epping Music School, Chair Yoga and Chingford Morris Men.
There was a range of other attractions at the free entry event including a funfair, a model railway display in Jack Silley Pavilion, alpacas, dinosaur encounters, a climbing wall, donkey rides, Punch & Judy and Circus skills, as well as meeting Bluey, Minnie Mouse and LOL Diva characters.
Epping Town Council has expressed its grateful thanks to Funky Monk Epping Restaurant & Rooms, High Street, Epping, for sponsoring this year’s show.
Town Mayor, councillor Cherry McCredie said: “Many thanks to everyone who was involved in the Epping Town Show - the town council staff who organised the event and to everyone who turned out despite the unsettled weather, especially everyone who performed in the arena and in particular during the heavy downpours. So much goes into organising an event of this size and to have so many people joining in, despite the rain showers, shows the wonderful community spirit in our town.”
The Council has also thanked NHS West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group for allowing the use of public car park space at St Margaret’s Hospital, the Rotary Club of Epping which provided car parks marshalls, our volunteers, including members of Epping Forest Youth Council who helped as stewards and estate agent Mullucks - part of Hunters - which loaned letting boards and produced leaflets to promote the event. Look out for next year’s date and information (usually the first Sunday in July). We start planning early so make an enquiry if you are interested in taking part whether as a sponsor, stall, entertainment or as a volunteer to help at the event. Email: info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk
Stonards Hill recreation ground chess table unveiling
Epping Town Council would like to thank the Rotary Club of Epping for fundraising for an outdoor chess table for Stonards Hill recreation ground. Rotary were keen to provide something to support health and wellbeing and this is a very welcome addition to the existing facilities on site. Please come along with your chess set and enjoy playing in this lovely location. The chess table can be found near the Jack Silley Pavilion, in front of Julie’s café.
The chess table was unveiled by Town Mayor, Cllr Cherry McCredie and last year’s President of Rotary, Barbara Scruton. Town Councillors and keen chess players took part in the event.
LITTER
Epping Town Council look after many of your lovely green spaces, including Stonards Hill recreation ground, Lower Swaines recreation ground, Ivy Chimneys playground, Frampton Road recreation ground, Parkland playground at Coopersale and Brook Road recreation ground. Please help us to keep them lovely by placing all litter in the bins provided — including dog litter (bagged up).
GRAFFITI
Unfortunately, we have suffered some graffiti to our playgrounds, which is very damaging and hard to remove. If you see or know of anyone who is causing vandalism, please let us know as soon as possible.
Captain’s Day success for Epping Golf club
Epping Golf Club hosted its 28th Captains’ Day on Saturday 8th June. The day was well attended with nearly 80 members and their guests and enjoyed much support from local businesses, including Totally Golf in Harlow and Quore Matto restaurant in Epping. There were a whole host of prizes to be won and a generously stocked half way house, sponsored and manned by Daniel Robinson & Sons Funeral Directors. A visit from our Town Mayor Cherry McCredie in time for prizegiving was appreciated by all.
The Epping Golf Course, home of Epping Golf Club, and situated on Fluxs Lane, Epping, is a family run and built 18 hole golf course and café and warmly welcomes visitors 7 days a week.
Epping’s historic Royal Charter Monday Market
Epping Market has existed as a Royal Charter Market since 1253. There have been many changes to the market in the last 800 years, but today the market is still as important as ever.
Held on Mondays, including Bank Holidays, the market runs the length of the high street, with approximately 40 stalls trading weekly. There are a great range of items for sale, including fruit and vegetables, clothes, plants and pet supplies, jewellery and other merchandise.
Casual traders are more than welcome if there is space available, but you must book through Epping Town Council in advance (at least the Friday that precedes the Monday that you would like to trade). The current charge for a single pitch is £35, including VAT.
To become a trader, please contact Epping Town Council on 01992 579444 or email: info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk for further information.
Kind-hearted Loughton resident helps local hospice expand services
A kind hearted supporter who lived in Loughton has left local charity St Clare Hospice a gift in their will totalling £900,000. The Hospice’s head of Patient and Family Support Service said: “This one person’s generosity has enabled us to expand a wide range of St Clare Hospice care services to the people of Loughton and beyond, including our bereavement support and GriefLine telephone service.’
The donor, who wished to remain anonymous, had arranged in their will for St Clare Hospice to clear their house before its sale but had given the charity no indication of the support that was to come. “Imagine our delight and surprise”, said Sushma, “when we were informed that the supporter had also left us such a large donation in their will, directly from their pension.”
“St Clare Hospice needs to raise over £7.3 million each year to be able to provide our specialist, compassionate services to local people, including those living in Loughton and the surrounding areas. Everyone grieves individually and no two people are the same. This money has helped us expand the care offered by our counsellors, social worker and family support worker, so we can meet the needs of local people living with the loss of a loved one, as well as those who are soon facing the prospect of the death of someone they love.”
Last year, the St Clare Patient and Family Support Service supported over 500 people and the St Clare Bereavement Cafés held across West Essex had over 1,100 attendances at the 550 café events. Sushma added: “If you or someone you know needs support following the death of a loved one, we encourage you to call our free telephone support service, GriefLine (01279 945089) which also has a website: https://griefline.co.uk/ where you can find lots of information you may find useful. If you are living with a condition that isn’t curable, we also offer a First Contact Service telephone line (01279 773774), where you can self-refer for any other hospice services, including our Living Well programmes, our outpatient clinics and of course end-of-life care.”
Swaines Green May Fayre 2024
The weather was fantastic and a huge number of visitors were out in force having a wonderful time at this year’s Swaines Green May Fayre. There was a plentiful selection of stalls, selling food and drink, handicrafts, books, wooden products, accessories for princesses and their pooches, a coconut shy, horseshoe throwing, a ping pong game and beat the goalie. The beautiful Copped Hall Rolls Royce was in attendance, as were Church’s butchers and their BBQ and of course the ever-popular Swaines Green beer and tea/cake stalls.
In the arena, the Punch and Judy show wowed the children as did the magic show and magic workshop. The various tug of war matches were hugely popular and very competitive in a fun and friendly way. The Anwaar Belly Dancers, as always, put on a wonderful and colourful show and The Maypole dancing was fantastic; well done to the children from Coopersale and Theydon Garnon C of E Primary School. Events concluded with the ever-enthusiastic fun dog show compared by Cherry McCredie, the then Deputy Mayor of Epping and judged by Christine Burgess, the then Mayor of Epping.
A big thank you to all who attended and spent money with us, benefiting not just the shows and stalls, but also of course the Friends of Swaines Green Conservation Charity enabling the continued upkeep of the 22 acres of Swaines Green conservation land, (which is directly behind the recreation field). A big thank you to all those who helped set up, helped run the event and cleared away at the end, including the very hard-working 1st Theydon Garnon Scouts and 414 Epping and North Weald Air Cadets and too many individuals to mention. Thank you to Richard Mortimer for being an excellent compere, to Morag and Jeremy Batchelor and team for running the beer tent and to Laura for taking all the great photos which you can see on her website: www.lauraandthelens.com Last, but definitely not least, a big thank you to Epping Town Council for allowing the May Fayre to be held on the Lower Swaines recreation ground. Please do visit our website at: www.swainesgreen.org.uk or Facebook: ‘The Friends of Swaines Green’ to learn more about what we do, what you can find (animals, birds, wildlife etc) at Swaines Green, how you can volunteer (volunteers are always needed), future events and photos from the Fayre and more. Save the Date! Next year’s May Fayre will be on Saturday 10th May, we hope to see you all again then.
Essex Local nature recovery strategy
More than ever, wildlife and their habitats are under threat for survival. The Essex Local Nature Recovery Strategy provides a new vision for our natural spaces and the draft strategy is currently being prepared for public consultation. Made mandatory in the Environment Act of 2021, the Essex Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) presents a pivotal opportunity for us all to contribute towards a sustainable future for our wildlife and the landscapes they inhabit. Essex County Council, in collaboration with the Essex Local Nature Partnership, has created the draft Essex LNRS, alongside a range of key local stakeholders, including Supporting Authorities, farmers, landowners, environmental organisations and charities, community groups, parish and town councils and the public.
Covering the whole of Greater Essex, the document aims to identify key locations for the creation and enhancement of habitats, focusing on areas that will provide the most significant benefits for nature and the wider environment. By outlining key biodiversity priorities and proposed actions, the aim is to achieve a more connected, collaborative approach to nature recovery. The draft strategy is expected to go to public consultation later this summer.
Sign up to receive updates when the public consultation is live by scanning the QR code below or visiting: https://consultations.essex.gov.uk/c-e/lnrs-public-consultation
For more information on the Essex Local Nature Recovery Strategy visit: www.essexnaturepartnership.co.uk
Epping Eppingen Twinning Association
The Association kicked off their year in February with a well-attended quiz. In May, our President Humphrey Wheeler was honoured with a community award. Humphrey has recently been made a Freeman of Epping so we are very proud of him.
In May, we also had a Kaffee und Kuchen event in Julie’s café at Stonards. German cakes were on offer to compliment the coffee. In June, 14 people travelled to Eppingen for a German Language course. This is a biennial event. Most people were hosted by German families. Each morning, we had a German lesson with a topic which complimented the cultural visit in the afternoon. The first day it was everything about potatoes. Eppingen is a farming community so this was appropriate. We then visited a factory which prepared potatoes from local farms ready for supermarkets. We were impressed to hear the energy used was created from potato peelings. The next day we covered wine. Around Eppingen there are hillsides covered with vines. The wine is not exported but of high quality. That afternoon we travelled through vineyards in an open cart pulled by a tractor stopping periodically to sample a particular wine. It was great fun.
You can’t go to Germany without having Kaffee und Kuchen. At the bakery we saw the processes in producing bread from milled flour. Our visit at the weekend was to the ancient city of Augsburg, having learnt some of its history. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages being on the trade routes to Venice and beyond. Huge wealth was created especially by the Fugger family who were known throughout Europe. Their wealth was wisely invested and they founded a social initiative; creating homes for poor families known as the Fuggerei. There are 140 flats in 67 houses. Incredibly these homes still exist and the tenants still pay the same rent as in medieval times 88 cents. Their only obligation is to pray each day in the tiny church. The upkeep is entirely supported by the Fugger family.
Augsburg is also famous for its waterways. There are three rivers; The Werth, Lech and a smaller one. By creating a series of weirs, the city produces much of its electricity. We also visited important buildings, including the town hall with its sumptuous gold ceiling, The Fugger house and the cathedral.
There is a large brewery in Eppingen, the Palmbräu, which was to be our final visit. There we saw all the processes in production of different beers. The lesson that morning gave us useful phrases linked to beer production and consumption. We also learnt about the life of one of Germany’s famous painters Casper Friedrich David.
Our final evening was a get together with many of our German friends in the Palmbräu cellar where we had a wonderful meal. Another highly successful week making new friends and renewing old friendships. We have decided to have a monthly Stammtisch; a German expression for a regular informal get together in a pub. Behind the scenes, hard work by some members has resulted in a bilingual website which gives news, details of future events and more. Check out the QR code and take a look at: www.epping-eppingen-twinning.info
For those without the internet, please telephone Joy on 07944 570971 if you would like more Association information.
Hire of Epping Town Council’s community halls
Epping Hall in St Johns Road and the Jack Silley Pavilion at Stonards Hill recreation ground are Epping Town Council’s community spaces which are both available for hire for all sorts of occasions at reasonable prices. We regularly host wedding parties, funeral receptions, celebratory parties, meetings and exercise groups. Whatever you need for your particular event, do get in touch to see if we can accommodate you.
Epping Hall (the main offices of Epping Town Council) has a large hall with racked seating, a conference room, garden lounge, bar and kitchen, all available for hire, either as separate rooms or together.
The Jack Silley Pavilion at Stonards Hill recreation ground is home to lots of groups, classes and parties. You will find more information including charges and details on our website at: www.eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk To book a hall or make an enquiry, please call us on 01992 579444 or email at: info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk
Epping in Bloom’s Scarecrow Festival
Epping in Bloom’s annual Scarecrow Festival in June was another great success, with a variety of absolutely wonderful entries. Please see some of them, left.
The Festival was judged by the visitors who attended and took part. The winners were Epping Knit and Natter, pictured (left). Town Mayor, Cllr Cherry McCredie visited the scarecrows with Epping in Bloom Chairman Victoria Robertson and was astounded by the creativeness of the entries.
Well done to Epping in Bloom for once again, organising such a great event and a big thank you to everyone who took part.
South Epping Masterplan Area - consultation
Epping Town Council were a statutory consultee on the South Epping Masterplan Area consultation issued by Epping Forest District Council to obtain residents’ feedback on the proposed development at South Epping. The consultation ran for six weeks between 13th June and 25th July 2024.
Epping Town Council held an ExtraOrdinary meeting on 17th July 2024 to enable residents to discuss the proposals with Epping town councillors. The meeting was well attended. Epping Town Council responded to the consutlation, as a statutory consultee with their comments. Residents and interested parties were advised to send their comments to Epping Forest District Council and a feedback form was also provided by Meeting Place. The response returned by Epping Town Council can be found on Epping Town Council’s website under Neighbourhood Plan Consultation 2024 (SEMPA) and the minutes of the ExtraOrdinary meeting, under Council, Council information, Meetings, Minutes.
The Music Den, Epping
The Den seems to be going from strength to strength thanks to support from regulars and many new attendees. Thanks goes to all who have attended and please, please continue to support live music in Epping. In April, Spikedrivers, Fran McGillivray and Mike Burke entertained an appreciative audience with their Saints and Sinners Revue. May events included Blue Touch ‘Women in Blues’ and the return of the ever-popular Ugly Guys. June saw the return of Robin Bibi, a Den favourite and the first appearance of a seven-piece band (squeezed on the stage), Holly B and The Rocketeers who went down so well they have been re-booked for 2025.
Forthcoming events:
13th August AMONG THE WILLOWS
24th September KARA GRAINGER
(pre-booked tickets only)
15th October THE MILKMEN
29th October THE 251s
12th November HAMILTON LOOMIS (pre-booked tickets only)
26th November TIM PENN & SECOND LINE
10th December SPIKEDRIVERS
Please continue your support and spread the word. Hemnall Social Club - website and Facebook
The Music Den Epping - FaceBook The Music Den, Epping 1 - Instagram
Stonards Hill recreation ground car parking
Many of you will know that an automatic numberplate recognition system has been installed at Stonards Hill recreation ground car park and the Jack Silley Pavilion car park. Both car parks allow three hours of free parking for those wishing to use Stonards Hill recreation ground’s facilities.
If you are staying under three hours, you do not need to do anything (no need to use the RingGo system or phone number).
If you are going to stay for more than three hours, you can pay for each hour after the first three free hours or pay for a whole day. The system was installed to try and deter those parking at the recreation ground and going elsewhere for long periods of time.
If you are using the Jack Silley Pavilion or Julie’s café, both have numberplate management systems which will permit additional free parking for time at your class in the Jack Silley Pavilion or while you are having food/drinks in the café.
If the system is not clear, please ask you class instructor, at the café or contact Epping Town Council on 01992 579444 or info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk
The system is new and will take some time to settle in. If you have any feedback, please email: info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk with your comments.
Julie’s café at Stonards
Julie’s café at Stonards Hill recreation ground is very family and dog friendly and sells lots of hot and cold food and drinks, including ice cream. There are also some good items on the menu for dogs.
If you decide to use Julie’s café at the end of your visit to the recreation ground, Julie’s can arrange some additional free parking for you to use for your refreshment visit. Please ask a member of staff.
Epping Town Neighbourhood Plan consultation
Epping Town Council have been working on the Neighbourhood Plan for Epping since 2014. The Plan has been developed by Epping Town Councillors and residents. It was necessary for the Neighbourhood Plan to be in broad conformity with Epping Forest District Council’s Local Plan, which is now operative. Epping’s Neighbourhood Plan will undergo an examination and referendum whereby residents vote to support it. If residents support the Plan, it will be ‘made’ and will form one of the key planning documents that will be used to help determine planning applications in Epping Parish. There will be a six week consultation before the examination and referendum. There will be lots of information on Epping Town Council and Epping Forest District Council’s websites and on noticeboards in the coming weeks. Please read the Neighbourhood Plan by pasting this link into your web browser: https://www.eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk/_UserFiles/Files/ Neighbourhood%20Plan/EppingNPlan-Nov2023.1-web.pdf
There are many elements that protect the character of our historic market town. For further information, please contact: info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk
Probus Club of Epping
This year our President, Mike Perry, has welcomed several new speakers to the Club. These have included Marathon Des Sables runner Matthew Leggett, Security specialist and ex-Royalty Protection Officer Simon Morgan. Members also enjoyed a fascinating talk entitled ‘The Mysterious Meridians of Highams Park’ from Mike Payne.
Probus Club of Epping meets monthly at the Lindsey Street Community Association, Frampton Road, Epping for lunch followed by an invited speaker.
Retired or semi-retired men interested in joining, please contact Club Secretary, Mr Hilary Dodd on: 01992 560381
Beacon lighting for the 80th anniversary of D-Day
On Thursday 6th June 2024, Epping Town Council hosted a D-Day Commemorative Event at Epping Fire Station and Hemnall Social Club. The Social Club provided a bar and live music. This ran alongside the beacon lighting at Epping Fire Station at 9.15pm, in line with the rest of the country, to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Epping Town Council were absolutely delighted to be joined by 98 year old war veteran Alec Denham (Ted), with his daughter and friends from Honey Lane care home in Waltham Abbey. Deputy Lieutenant of Essex, Hugh Pegrum read the anniversary tribute after a speech by Town Mayor, Cllr Cherry McCredie. Deputy Mayor, Cllr Janet Whitehouse, held the Lamp of Peace. The beacon was lit by Town Supervisor Bill Towers and Epping Fire Station manager Derek Whitbread BEM. Thank you to so many of you for joining us and marking this historic occasion.
Our very special thanks to Ted.
Epping Town Council planning meetings
The Town Council’s Planning & General Purposes Committee meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 7.15pm to discuss and pass comments on the latest planning applications in Epping parish. Epping Town Council are a consultee in addition to neighbours of the individual planning applications. Epping Forest District Council are the planning authority for the area. Once all comments are returned by the deadline date to the District Council, the decision is made. If you as a resident would like to attend and speak at a Town Council Planning & General Purposes meeting; whether it’s your planning application, your neighbour’s or one of interest that is being discussed, please let us know before the meeting. Meetings are held at Epping Hall, St Johns Road, Epping, Essex, CM16 5JU.
Epping Petanque Club marks its 35th year at Stonards Hill recreation ground
Backed by Epping Town Council and local enthusiasts we’ve crafted a stellar Petanque terrain, which was formed on the old cycle track next to the tennis courts. Our weekly game afternoons, members trophy battles and inter club showdowns have cemented our status as a force in the Petanque community.
Petanque (pronounced ‘Pet-onk’) or French Boules, caters for both social butterflies and competitive spirits alike.
Easy for beginners yet rich in strategy, Petanque offers a tantalising blend of technique, tactics and mental agility.
Discover the art of boule handling, perfect your stance and master the nuances of gameplay. Open to all ages, Petanque promises outdoor camaraderie while sharpening hand-eye coordination and tactical prowess. Whether singles, doubles or triples, teamwork adds an extra layer of fun.
This summer catch us every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon at 1.30 pm, with evening sessions on the horizon.
Join us for a complimentary ‘Come and Try Session’ – boules provided. Contact Jane at: secretary@ehpetanque.co.uk to book your spot or for membership. Membership is just £12. More insights? Head to: www.ehpetanque.co.uk and dive into our Home page photo album.
New tennis coaching partner at Stonards
Epping Town Council have been working with tennis coaching partner David Watson tennis since 2020. We would like to thank David for all his work with us during that time.
Our new coaching partner is Jack Woollcott of JW Tennis Academy. Jack and his team will be running different tennis coaching sessions, details provided.
Epping Town Mayor, Cllr Cherry McCredie went to meet Jack and wish him well. Do go along and try some tennis sessions. Outside of the coaching sessions, you can book your own free tennis sessions (there is a small charge for evening floodlights when needed) through ClubSpark. https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/
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Epping Society
The biggest news has to be the proposed South Epping development.
Some residents recently got a document through the door, (from Epping Forest District Council) about the SEMPA – South Epping Masterplan Area. This has been a key part of the District Local Plan for years. It was a fiercely contested component of the Public Hearings over 5 years ago, when the Inspectors pointed out that it was a difficult site with many constraints and both Inspectors pushed the number of homes from about 1000, down to a minimum of 450.
For those who do not know, the SEMPA covers 2 large fields between Bridge Hill/Ivy Chimneys Road and the motorway. This area was previously Green Belt, but was declassified in the Local Plan.
Early agreements between EFDC and the 4 developers included a range of amenity/infrastructure projects. Nearly all of these are now absent. If you look closely at the published material you will see 450 new homes, tastefully landscaped, with a new primary/early years school, some nice greens, streams and ponds; little else – sorry plus a new bridge over the motorway. The developers state that they intend to stick with the EFDC 40% “affordable” homes ratio.
The public consultation for SEMPA, run by an external agency, started on 13 June, closing 25 July. So far there has been a crowded evening event at Ivy Chimneys School and a Monday market day stall. At these events people were invited to fill in a questionnaire – members of the Society have indicated public responses were critical in the majority. We here challenge EFDC to publish the results in raw data form without polish, spin, redaction etc. Then the community will be able to see just how much notice is taken of residents’ views. Our website has articles suggesting some questions from residents on the subject. After the Public Consultation, the developers will seek to have EFDC confirm the SEMPA; then they will make formal applications for Planning Permission, which will give the Public a further occasion to make our voices known. Roger Lowry, Vice Chair, July 2024
Thank you to David Jackman for any pictures and media input in this issue. Everything Epping Forest local news and information service. Check out all the local news at: https://bit.ly/m/EverythingEppingForest Cover picture this issue: David Jackman
A new Rotary year for Epping Rotary
At a handover dinner at the Theydon Bois Golf Club, Barbara Scruton handed over the President’s Chain to Noel Holland. Pravin Vadher who many of you will know from House to Home is the Club’s new President Elect. John Padfield and Michael Wright, two longstanding members, were thanked for their service to the club and honoured by making them honorary members.
Peter Hellmers and Jean Kibblewhite were recognised for their service to the club and presented with Paul Harris awards. Reflecting on her year as President, Barbara said that in addition to supporting both National and International charities, the Club had been very active in several local community events including Remembrance Day, The D-Day Commemoration and the Town Show.
Money was raised for a permanent chess set at Stonards Hill recreation ground as part of a wellbeing project where people using the park can also exercise their minds. The Club supported a local school running workshops on E security and organised an outing to McDonalds Farm for a group of children with Special Educational Needs. During the year we had a talk from Trevor Kreuger from Sew and Sew. He gave a talk on his big passion, Equal Ability Radio, where he wants to raise awareness of the potential of people with disabilities.
Other local organisations supported through fundraising during Barbara’s year were Norway House, Friends of St Margaret’s, the Girl Guides and Scouts.
Rotary now has two major events in the Town, Carols on the Green and The Classic Car Show, now in its third year. It was a wonderful day and there were 289 Classic cars on show. The feedback from members of the public was that it was a great day. Thank you to the Town Council for allowing the Car Show to be held on Stonards recreation ground.
When holding fundraising events, the Club looks for sponsorship and raffle prizes and this is an opportunity to thank local businesses for their support.
Further information about Rotary activities and how you can get involved can be found on the website: www.eppingrotary.org
Epping Town Council information
TOWN COUNCILLORS
2023-2027
Members - Hemnall Ward
Cllr N Avey nigel.avey@btinternet.com
Cllr C Burgess christine_burgess@hotmail.com
Cllr C McCredie 07831 501598
Cllr R Sharif razsharif@icloud.com
Cllr Janet Whitehouse 01992 560289 cllrjanetwhitehouse@gmail.com
Cllr Jon Whitehouse 01992 561875 jon@jonwhitehouse.org.uk
Members - St John’s Ward
Cllr L Burrows 01992 572003
Cllr J Duffell 07847 357493 johnduffell@live.co.uk
Cllr H Pegrum 01992 572173
Cllr G Scruton grscruton@gmail.com
Cllr H Whitbread 07508 180426 holly.whitbread@btinternet.com
Cllr M Wright 07926 516097
Cllr L Burrows, Cllr R Sharif, Cllr H Whitbread, Cllr Janet Whitehouse and Cllr Jon Whitehouse are also Epping Forest District Councillors.
Cllr H Whitbread is also an Essex County Councillor.
MP: Dr Neil Hudson neil.hudson.mp@parliament.uk invitations for
the mayor
If you are organising an event which you would like the Mayor or a representative of the Town Council to attend, please email: info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk marked Invitation for the Mayor or tel: 01992 579444. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor attend many different events over the year to support our local groups, businesses and organisations.
ARTICLES AND PICTURES
We are always looking for Epping-related articles and pictures (high resolution) for Talk About Epping. Please send them to the email address below.
talk about epping deadlines
FORTHCOMING MEETINGS
Please note: meetings are in-person meetings and will be held at Epping Hall unless otherwise stated.
Epping Town Council responsibilities
Bury Lane Cemetery Halls: Monday Charter Market Epping Hall, St Johns Rd
Bakers Lane Toilets Jack Silley Pavilion, Recreation Grounds: Stonards Hill Stonards Hill
Allotments: Ivy Chimneys Lower Bury Lane Lower Swaines Meadow Road Frampton Road Town Show
Parklands, Coopersale Christmas Market Brook Road Christmas Lights
Talk About Epping (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter)
Consultee on Planning
Epping Town Council’s Planning Committee consider every planning & TPO (tree protection order) application in Epping and give their views to Epping Forest District Council, who are the local planning authority.
Articles for the next edition of Talk About Epping must be submitted before 7 October 2024 (Winter issue) and 10 January 2025 (Spring issue). Submissions should be sent to Epping Town Council via email: info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk clearly marked ‘Talk About Epping’. Please send in copy on a word document (200-300 words max). Please attach pictures as separate jpegs (not inserted into the word document). The editor may amend copy appropriately.
For more information, visit our website: www.eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk
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